Mitch Prowse, rehabilitation assistant

Colleagues at Villa Marie are impressed with all that Mitch Prowse is able to accomplish in a day. He sets his priorities well, but he does a lot more.

Residents and families appreciate him because he does the little extras. One resident said, “Mitch definitely thinks outside the box in order to get things done or fixed.” For a bariatric patient, he worked hours to get her the bed she needed. He spent a lot of time with a resident who has Parkinson disease and a developmental disability until they were able to come up with a mutually agreeable plan. Then Mitch shared the plan and the resident’s concerns with other team members.

Mitch teaches the It’s your move class to staff. He is an engaging teacher who shares new knowledge in a way that empowers his students. Staff know whether in class or on a unit, when they ask Mitch anything that he will give them a hand up. Health care aides frequently go to him with transfer or moving challenges.

He is a valuable member of the rehabilitation team. The physiotherapist and occupational therapist (OT) rely on him. The OT says if a wheelchair can be fixed, Mitch will fix it. He is constantly fixing things so residents’ get the longest life out of their equipment.

As an active member of the occupational health and safety committee and the social committee, Mitch helps create a safe, warm, caring work environment.